Chapter 34

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「No, it's too early for Tact...!」

「It's fine, I'm already 15, you know?」

「Ugh. But... and you're not good at magic, right?」

「Milu, you worry too much... Besides, we made it here from Agudis, didn't we?」

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What's going on?

It was just before noon, and Iku and I had come to the inn's dining room to have a late breakfast and an early lunch. It seemed that a beautiful boy and a beautiful girl were having a slight argument. The girl was saying, "But..." and trying to argue, but the boy was pressing his point. It didn't seem like they were on bad terms, so I was relieved that it wouldn't turn into a physical fight.

The restaurant was still not very crowded, as it was a bit early for lunch. There were only the two arguing and two other groups of customers.

"Here, Hinami. Today's menu is vegetable stir-fry or meat bowl."

"A... yeah, I'll have the meat bowl."

"Sir, one set meal and one bowl, please."

"Sure thing!"

Iku skillfully ignored the arguing pair, as if they weren't even there. Yeah, that's Iku for you. He doesn't care about such things. I couldn't help but smile at his typical behavior.

"What are you laughing about?"

"Hmm, you're just being Iku, I guess."

"...What are you talking about?"

There it is, Iku's exasperated face. You know, that face. I can't start my day without seeing it. It makes me feel like I'm dealing with a more modern kid. He might even go to a café while using his smartphone, spending an unnecessarily long time drinking tea alone. Or maybe he'll become a shut-in...!

"What are you thinking about? The food's here."

"Ah! Thanks."

...Wow, a meat bowl. In front of me was a bowl with meat, along with soup and salad. I took a bite, and it was just a regular meat bowl. It wasn't a beef bowl or anything special. I had a faint hope it might be like the ones in Japan, but it was disappointing. I decided to try making one myself next time and continued eating the rest.

"Fine, I'll go by myself!"

"Tact...!"

The room echoed with the louder voices of the two who had been arguing. It seemed they hadn't reached an agreement, and the boy had left. I only caught a glimpse, but he had honey-colored hair that was slightly wavy, and a sword at his waist. I thought he was an adventurer. The girl, looking troubled but not chasing after him, had beautiful watery blue eyes that were moist. Her honey-colored hair was parted to the sides and tied into a bun at the back with a red ribbon. Her ears, peeking out from behind her hair, were long... an elf, perhaps. Her simple dress was elegantly tailored with some decorations. She looked to be around 15 or 16 years old.

I couldn't help but call out to her. After all, if a younger girl looks like she might cry, it's natural to be concerned. Though, in this body, I'm about the same age as her.

"Are you okay?"

"Ugh... Ah, I'm sorry. I must look so silly..."

She blushed and waved her hands.

"No, it's fine. I'm Hinami, Nanagi Hinami. I'm staying at this inn."

"I'm Milu Lambert. I'm also staying at this inn. Tact and I came from the village together. But we had a bit of an argument."

"Do you not need to chase after him?"

"Once he gets like that, there's no stopping him..."

She sighed and looked towards the door Tact had left through. I wondered what they had been arguing about. Seeing the question marks in my head, Milu gave a wry smile and explained.

"Tact went to become an adventurer."

"What!"

"It's dangerous, and he needs to return to the country soon. But he won't listen."

"I see. It's like a boy's dream to go on adventures, right?"

"That's it! I don't want to be an adventurer, and I don't understand why he wants to be one."

Her response was like a perfect hit. She then said, "Oh dear," but didn't seem too worried. Wait, are you worried?

"...But, aren't you an adventurer?"

"!!?"

As Milu and I were talking, Iku, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke up. He had finished his meal neatly. Maybe he joined the conversation to speed things up, or maybe he had plans and wanted to leave sooner.

Wait a minute. Milu said she didn't want to be an adventurer. So, logically, she shouldn't be one...

"...How did you know I'm an adventurer?"

"Huh!?"

"Just a hunch. I didn't want to get Hinami involved in any trouble."

"Milu...?"

"Yes, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to involve you, and we were just arguing about whether Tact should become an adventurer."

Milu bowed her head again. I didn't mind, and she might have her reasons for not wanting to reveal her identity as an adventurer.

"Hinami, I'm sorry for lying. I came from an elf village in the Agudis continent. I'm basically on an errand. I wanted something that can only be found on this continent. But... Tact has always dreamed of 'adventures.' I'm worried..."

"I see."

"Yes. If he knew I was an adventurer, he wouldn't stop. But he went to become one without knowing, so it didn't really matter."

Milu broke the awkward silence with a bright, "This atmosphere won't do!" and clapped her hands.

"Anyway, I'll go after Tact. Thank you, Hinami!"

"No, I'm the one who should apologize for suddenly bothering you."

"Not at all. I'll be staying at this inn for a while, so please take care of me."

"Sure. Take care."

Milu hurriedly said, "At least I'll make sure he takes the guild training," and left the restaurant. She's so energetic. Those two... they seemed to be from the same village. I hope I can see them again.

"Really, don't get involved in unnecessary trouble."

"Iku... Why did you know Milu was an adventurer?"

"Her guild card was visible in her pocket."

"Oh... I see."

I hadn't noticed at all. I had imagined some hidden secret power of Iku's, but it was just a detective-like observation...!

"Anyway, it might be a good idea for you to take the 'beginner's training' that she mentioned, Hinami."

"Oh, right!"

"You might need to make a reservation, so we can stop by the guild on our way."

"Sure. Let's stop by before going to Shia's house."

With that decided, I decided to contact Shia. It was a good time to call, as it wasn't too early or too late. I took out the hand mirror from my pocket, which I always kept with me, and tried to contact Shia. I had never used it alone before, but it should be simple—just press the button.

"Feeling nervous...!"

"Really?"

I opened the hand mirror with a cute ribbon and waited for Shia's response. The same cute chime from last time rang from my hand mirror. After about five chimes, Shia responded.

"Hinami! You're in the city...! Congratulations!"

"Thanks~!"

Shia's cute face appeared in the hand mirror, just as before. Her beautiful red hair was in a ponytail today, and she had earrings that were visible because of her hairstyle.

"Actually, I'm at the adventurer's guild right now."

"Really?"

"Yes. Where are you?"

"I just finished eating and was planning to stop by the guild before coming to see you."

"Then I'll wait for you here."

"Okay, I'll be right there!"

"Sure! I'll be waiting."

After exchanging a few words and ending the call, I felt a bit excited about this magical communication. I know it's like a video call, but let's not say that.

"But I had completely forgotten that Shia was an adventurer. She's such a cute noble lady, it's hard to imagine her fighting."

"Yeah, that's usually the case. Noble ladies don't like rough things..."

As we stood up, I said, "It would have been nice to just have some tea."

Yeah, it would be safe and there would be no danger... What drives Shia... everyone to become adventurers? I don't really understand the appeal... But that's what makes it fantasy!

"By the way, we might run into Milu on the way."

"...Yeah. Since she's an elf, it might be good to get along with her."

"Huh?"

"Elves generally don't like to go out much. Of course, there are exceptions, like Tact and other adventurer or merchant elves. But more than half of the elves don't leave Agudis."

"Really..."

"But she said she came to this continent on an errand. For elves who don't like to interact with others, it's quite significant that they sent someone across the sea. Whatever the errand, it doesn't seem like something they want to get involved with."

Iku said this and slightly increased his walking speed. "We should hurry; we're keeping them waiting." I sped up a bit to walk beside Iku.

By the way, elves are like that. Shia and Iku are human, so I don't know much about other races. And the errand seems so significant that it's worrying. Iku seemed so cautious about it.

"She didn't seem like a bad person..."

"Yeah, but it's good to remember that some people can lie. You're particularly easy to deceive, Hinami. Have you ever doubted anyone?"

"Um! I do think things through. I just don't doubt people much. I want to trust them."

When I looked at Iku, expecting him to say, "Be more careful," he surprisingly said, "That's fine."

"What are you so surprised about? Even if you get deceived... I'll protect you."

I was taken aback by this unexpected response. But, yeah. Iku is my bodyguard, so it makes sense. He's like a professional bodyguard... I was a bit surprised.

"...What?"

"Hmm... Thanks?"

"Sure, sure, master."

I smiled and walked in front of Iku, and he responded with a playful tone. His words sounded casual, but I knew they were very kind.

"Alright! Let's race to the adventurer's guild!"

"Hey, what are you talking about?"

"Ready, set, go!"

"Hinami!?"

I turned my back to Iku and ran down the main street. My goal was the adventurer's guild, which was now in sight, and Shia, who was waiting for me there!